The space of "folk" in the novel is neatly built by the extensive use of repetitions and dialogues, which highlights the nature of Chinese peasants and the social scenario of the era.

[1] Yu Hua's style of using humor to highlight contemporary socio-political issues in China has been compared to the modern visual art movement of cynical realism.

At first, both Xu and He deny responsibility for Yile's actions and refuse to pay for Blacksmith Fang's son's hospital bill.

After wandering the streets, Yile returns to a worried Xu Sanguan who takes him to the Victory Restaurant for noodles.

Xu Sanguan manages to hitch a ride on a barge, and he befriends the two brothers operating the vessel, Laixi and Laishun.

Eventually, Xu parts ways with the brothers and reaches Shanghai, where he finds Yile is alive and recovering well.

[5] Chronicle of a Blood Merchant describes the suffering of the lower class which took place during the most turbulent time in Chinese history, and creates a sorrowful atmosphere with a touch of gentleness.

The protagonist sells his blood twelve times in the story for many reasons, including cultural taboo, food, and sacrifices.

"[3] Richard King addressed Gang Yue's comparison to Lu Xun by stating that "Yu Hua's small-town everyman becomes a figure of a dignity to which Ah Q could never aspire".

[6] The book was praised in The Seattle Times as a "rare achievement in literature.... [Xu Sanguan is] a character that reflects not just a generation but the soul of a people."

Michael Laris of The Washington Post argued, "The epic—and at times crude—stories of struggle and survival in [...] Chronicle of a Blood Merchant offer unforgettable images of cruelty and kindness, [and] Yu Hua's characters are torn between their animal instincts and their humanity.

"[7] Ha Jin, author of Waiting, described Yu Hua as a "major contemporary novelist" and stated that the latter "writes with a cold eye but a warm heart.

Wang Ping, author of Foreign Devil (1996) and Aching for Beauty (2000), wrote, "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant takes us straight to the heartland of China—the towns, streets, courtyards, kitchens, and bedrooms where ordinary Chinese live.

They may not be great warriors or politicians, but their courageous efforts in living a life with hope and dignity make them true heroes.

Nola Theiss, author of Kliatt, argued, "The story is filled with strange attitudes and behaviors, which give insight to this peculiar time and place.

Yu Hua is considered one of the most important young writers in China today and his writing carries a truth that is typical of fables and parables.

"[8] A Korean-language film adaptation (Chronicle of a Blood Merchant) directed by Ha Jung-woo premiered in South Korea on January 15, 2015.

In 2013, a stage play Chronicle of a Blood Merchant reworked by Tang Wai-Kit was premiered by the We Draman Group in Hong Kong.